Reader-supported: we earn a commission on some links, at no extra cost to you. How this works
What Happens If?Guide

What Happens If You Turn Off DNS?

You cannot turn DNS off and still browse by name, since DNS turns names into addresses. Without it, websites fail to load. Changing your DNS server is safe.

5 min read

You cannot really turn DNS off and still browse the web by name. DNS translates names like example.com into the numeric addresses devices use to connect. Without a DNS server set, domain names will not resolve, so websites and apps fail to load unless you type a raw IP address. Changing your DNS server is different and safe; removing DNS entirely breaks normal browsing.

Why this happens

Every website and online service lives at a numeric IP address, but people use names. DNS is the lookup service that turns a name into the right address so your device knows where to connect.

If you remove or block the DNS server, that lookup fails. The connection itself may be fine, but nothing knows where to go, so pages time out or show a server-not-found error.

Is this normal?

Turning DNS off entirely is not a normal or useful setting. What people usually mean is changing the DNS server, flushing the DNS cache, or turning off DNS-over-HTTPS, which are all reasonable.

Does it cause any problems?

With no DNS, almost nothing works by name: browsing, email, app updates, and streaming all fail. Only direct IP connections work, which is impractical for daily use.

How to fix or check it

  1. To change DNS instead of removing it, Windows: Settings, Network and internet, your connection, Edit DNS server assignment, and enter a preferred server.
  2. Mac: System Settings, Network, select the connection, Details, DNS, and add a server address.
  3. Phone: set a Private DNS provider on Android under Settings, Network and internet, Private DNS, or configure DNS per Wi-Fi network on iPhone.
  4. To clear a bad cached lookup, flush DNS. Windows: run ipconfig /flushdns. Mac: run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache and sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder in Terminal.
  5. If a page will not load, set a reliable public DNS server rather than removing DNS altogether.

Frequently asked questions

Can I browse the internet without DNS?

Only by typing raw IP addresses, which is impractical. For normal browsing by name, a working DNS server is required.

Is changing my DNS server safe?

Yes. Switching to a different reputable DNS server is safe and can improve speed or reliability. That is different from removing DNS.

What does flushing DNS do?

It clears your device's stored lookups so it fetches fresh ones. This fixes sites that load the wrong address after a change.

More in this topic

More in What Happens If?

See the full guide →
★
What Happens If?
What Happens If Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Are Both On?

With Wi-Fi and mobile data both on, your phone uses Wi-Fi first and mobile data as backup. It can use cellular on weak Wi-Fi, so watch your data allowance.
★
What Happens If?
What Happens If Bluetooth Is Always On?

Leaving Bluetooth always on is generally safe: it uses little battery when idle and keeps accessories ready. Keep your device updated to limit security risk.
★
What Happens If?
What Happens If Two Devices Share an IP Address?

If two devices have the same IP address they conflict and lose connectivity. It often comes from a static IP clash; renew the address or restart the router.